Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Thomas M. Fitzpatrick and Kristin C. Larson to two Tenth Judicial District trial court bench judgeships in Anoka County.

These judgeships are new positions created by the 2007 Legislature (2007 Minnesota Laws, Chapter 54, Article 1, Section 5) that take effect on January 1, 2008. The Minnesota Supreme Court certified the chambers of both positions for Anoka County.

Fitzpatrick is an attorney and partner with the law firm of Randall, Goodrich and Fitzpatrick in Anoka. He has been an attorney with the firm since 1986. He was an attorney with the law firm of Burke and Hawkins in Coon Rapids from 1983 to 1985 and an assistant Blue Earth County Attorney in Mankato from 1981 to 1983. Fitzpatrick earned his juris doctorate degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul in 1981, and his bachelor of science degree with honors from St. Cloud State University in 1975.

“Tom enjoys a reputation among Anoka County practitioners as a strong advocate for his clients who treats opposing lawyers and their clients with respect and dignity,” Governor Pawlenty said. “Tom’s respect for people, even-keeled temperament, and sense of humor will serve him well as a judge.”

Fitzpatrick is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association; Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association; and the Anoka County Bar Association, where he served as president in 2005-06. He is also an arbitrator for the American Arbitrator Association, and was selected as a “Super Lawyer” by Minnesota Law and Politics magazine. He is currently chair of the City of Anoka Planning Commission, and was a panel attorney, member of the board of directors and past president of Judicare of Anoka County, as well as a past coach and judge for the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Mock Trial competition.

Fitzpatrick, 55, was born in St. Cloud, and lives in Anoka with his wife, Jennifer Johnson. They have two children, Caitlin, 21, and Megan, 18.

Larson is an assistant Anoka County attorney, a position she has held since 1990. Larson was an assistant Wright County attorney from 1988 to 1990, executive director, attorney and, volunteer attorney coordinator of Legal Assistance of Dakota County from 1986 to 1988, a staff attorney with Hyatt Legal Services in Bloomington from 1985 to 1986, and a volunteer attorney with Mid-Minnesota Legal Services in Minneapolis from 1984 to 1985. Larson earned her juris doctorate degree from George Washington University Law School in 1984 and her bachelor of arts degree cum laude from Carleton College in Northfield in 1981.

“Kristin brings a wealth of experience in civil as well as criminal law in the Anoka County Attorney’s office,” Governor Pawlenty said. “She also lends her tremendous knowledge of the law by speaking at continuing legal education and professional seminars.”

Larson is a member of Minnesota State Bar Association, where she serves in the public law section; Anoka County Bar Association; and is an investigator for the 21st District Bar Ethics Committee. She is also a faculty with the National College of District Attorneys, National Advocacy Center and has been a speaker for the Minnesota County Attorney’s Association, the Annual Conference on Crime Victims, Minnesota Rental Property Association, and is a scheduled speaker for an upcoming Tenth Judicial District Law Clerks Seminar.

Larson’s community activities include being an assistant soccer coach and team manager with Lino Lakes Parks and Recreation, and a volunteer with the Centennial Youth Hockey Association, as well as having volunteered for the Hopkins Hockey Association, Golden Valley Phoenix Soccer Club, and numerous school and church activities.

Larson, 48, was born in Duluth, and lives in Lino Lakes with her husband, Jonathan Audette, and their two children, Peter, 18, and Allison, 4.